BETTER BRITS

Rekindling a love for reading, learning a language and walking more are among the things Brits try to do to ‘self-improve’ but never get around to, according to research. A study of 1,300 adults found some wish they could ditch the dirty takeaway after a night out and one in ten tell themselves they will join a gym but don’t actually manage to.

Others kid themselves with the promise of waking up 10 minutes earlier each day, with some dreaming of learning to ski, while others even promise they’ll stop picking their nose!

In fact, over eight in 10 Brits tell themselves they will make a change in their life but find they never succeed. Two in five put this down to simply being too busy, while 21 per cent said it’s because they just can’t get motivated enough.

However, the research also found a massive 87 per cent believe they constantly try to be better even if they don’t always achieve exactly what they desired.

And even though one in five admit they fall into old habits, the same number have also managed to make a long-term habit out of their ambitions, sticking with at least one for over five years.

Millions of Brits have successfully lost weight, managed to read more or have even cleared their debt.

Others have mastered a new language or even bought their second home, with a handful finally getting around to changing their maiden name.

Richard Evans, of webuyanycar.com, who commissioned the survey, said: “Our new research shows that millions of Brits are determined to do and be better people as we move into 2018, even if it’s a struggle to find the time or muster the effort to fully achieve this.

“Interestingly, the research showed that we’re a country who believe bettering ourselves is a year-round endeavour and not just something for January, since over 40% of people concentrate on self-improvement 365 days a year. Like much of the population, at webuyanycar we strive to offer the best service 52 weeks a year, by providing a quicker sale, opening branches seven days a week and generally being more Phil.”

Nearly half of the nation will set goals in a bid to be healthier this year, while three in 10 want to make themselves happier.

Millions of Brits have made an attempt at forging a new habit at the start of 2018, which will last an average of 16 days before falling off the wagon.

These included writing a book, revamping their wardrobe and landing a job in their dream career. Others have attempted to learn an instrument, while some have a go at sticking to new fitness regime.

6% said it was too expensive to commit to a new habit, which is no wonder with adults spending an average of £504 a year on achieving their aspirations.

In fact, almost 1 in 10 Brits have splurged £2,000 or more on a new hobby or makeover as their most expensive attempt at self-improvement.

It’s not just money people are spending though, as Brits estimate they whittle away five hours and 32 minutes every month trying to achieve goals or quit habits, regardless of whether they succeed.

As half of adults said they struggle to quit even the smallest of habits, such as biting their nails, 45 per cent will seek the help of their friends or family when trying to reach a goal or improve themselves.

Richard Evans, added: “Setting goals to self-improve, learn a new hobby or change an old habit is a positive starting point, especially at the beginning of the year, even if it takes some time to accomplish them.”